Press release from Jessamine County Schools

Jessamine County received $22,000 in this funding cycle as part of the Governor’s continuing commitment to improving care and education for Kentucky’s youngest citizens.

Community Early Childhood Council’s work to develop community level strategies for improving school readiness and early childhood outcomes. These councils are comprised of community volunteers from local school districts, public health departments, childcare providers, Head Start, local libraries, parents and interest groups.

The grants, awarded through the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood (KYGOEC), range from $5,000 to $50,000 per county. The KYGOEC and the Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) – both created by Gov. Beshear in 2011 – work closely with CECCs across the Commonwealth to ensure a strong start for Kentucky’s children. 

The CECCs utilize the Early Childhood Profile, a county-by-county profile, that shows kindergarten readiness data, participation in publicly funded preschool, Head Start and child care; quality and availability of child care and the education of the early childhood workforce; the demographic data that represent key indicators of possible barriers to success for young children and their families as a planning tool.

“Community Early Childhood Councils play an important role in making sure every child in Kentucky arrives at school ready to grow, ready to learn, and ready to succeed,” KYGOEC Executive Director Terry Tolan said. “We are grateful for the council volunteers who give their time to Kentucky’s children.”